The man has not been formally identified and police have not yet released his name.

Investigators are continuing to look for evidence after finishing a search of parklands and streets around Hall Street from Saturday afternoon through until late on Sunday.

The area near the apartment building where the 27-year-old man’s body was found by a friend remained cordoned off on Monday morning.

Police have not said whether anyone has been questioned over the death or confirmed it was a murder. They have not indicated the cause of death or whether a weapon had been involved.

Superintendent Brett Kidner said on Sunday investigators had been speaking to residents living nearby and searching for suspicious items.

The Front Gallery and Cafe’s Lym Garratt said many of his customers had noticed the high level of police activity.

"It’s a sleepy inner suburb but I guess anywhere in Canberra you are not expecting to see so much of a police presence," he said. "It’s a grim shock, but so much about it is unknown."

Megan Wilkes, 19, said that as a result of working at the Lyneham IGA supermarket, she knew many of the local faces.

"I am a bit shocked and unsettled because it happened just last night," she said.

"I think, working at the IGA, I might have seen him. If he was a regular I think I would recognise him."

Barbara Quinn, a resident of Lyneham for more than 20 years, said that while the situation was distressing the community should be patient.

"It’s concerning in that way because it’s not known and there’s a big question-mark around it," she said.

"I’m sure a lot of other people in this area do want answers, of course, but it takes time."