While global housing activity in early 2013 has been mixed, Canada's housing demand remains healthy said a Global Real Estate Trends report released by Scotiabank.

The report found in the majority of world markets housing conditions are "fairly steady" and average home prices relatively flat. However in countries like Asia and Latin America as well as the United States, home prices are again accelerating supported by a stronger domestic economy. In other countries, namely struggling nations of southern Europe, price declines are continuing.

While MLS® home sales in Canada decreased by 2.1 per cent between January and February, sales in Calgary increased more than seven per cent.

There were 1,591 sales in Calgary in January 2013 followed by 1,709 in February. Nationally, not seasonally adjusted activity decreased 15.8 per cent compared to February 2012.

With two kids, two cars and a dog, the Robsons are the image of the typical family.

Having purchased a larger home in the city's northwest to accommodate their growing family, the Robsons are typical in another way as well, as they're part of a growing number of Calgarians who are upgrading to bigger and more expensive homes.