A 26-year-old woman whose body was found inside a South Melbourne townhouse has been identified as Ellie Price.

Police sources told The Age Ms Price may have been dead for a number of days before her body was discovered.

Homicide squad detectives were called to the two-storey home at the rear of a housing complex on Park Street on Monday afternoon after Ms Price's body was found there.

Forensic analysts spent more than 24 hours inside the property trying to piece together what had occurred.

Neighbours were told to hand over any CCTV camera footage they may have had from the previous six days.

Residents said their pocket of the suburb, on the western side of Ferrars Street, mainly housed families and the elderly and was usually free from crime.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.