Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-183927) and Form S-3D (No. 333-161664) of Winthrop Realty Trust and subsidiaries of our report dated March 2, 2016, relating to the consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedules, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

March 2, 2016