Norma Cheryl Woutersz's neighbours were shocked to learn her daughter, Gabriella Woutersz, admitted at the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday to killing the 56-year-old.

A resident said Dexion Place was a family-friendly area where children often rode their bikes.

"It's a bit creepy ... it sort of unnerves you a bit," she said. "But it's still a safe suburb."

A nearby resident, who had a work connection with a relative of the deceased, said he was shocked by the news.

"You never think anything in your street will happen, let alone [to] people you're involved with," he said. "For a daughter to kill her mum, that's bizarre."

The 23-year-old, who refused representation from the duty lawyer, told the court she "100 per cent did the murder".

Woutersz, appearing barefoot and dressed in grey track pants and a pale wind cheater, was charged with murder.

The accused, who quietly sang a song to herself as she waited for the case to begin, rejected Magistrate Karen Fryar's view the matter should be adjourned so she could obtain legal advice.

"I don't need a lawyer when I'm pleading guilty," she said. "There's no reason to put it over, I killed Cheryl Woutersz."

The accused, who was calm throughout proceedings, made no bail application and no plea was formally entered.

The duty lawyer said the accused may have issues with bipolar disorder. Magistrate Fryar adjourned Woutersz's matter until Tuesday, October 21.

Police found Ms Woutersz's body in her home about 5.40pm on Friday.

On Friday, a spokesman said the dead woman's injuries led them to suspect a homicide but no details were provided in court.

She refused to say whether any one else had been in the house at the time, or who had alerted police.

A police cordon was still in place for a small section of Dexion Place and Fitton Place on Saturday night.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at act.crimestoppers.com.au.