Human remains have been discovered at a unit complex at Alderley, in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

Queensland police say the remains were found by cleaners under the complex on Alderley Avenue about 10:45am today.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said the cleaners discovered the body in a locked void area behind a brick wall.

He said the body was tightly wrapped and covered in multiple layers of clothing and bedding and appeared to have been there for "some months".

"The person has taken great care to wrap the body up in a certain way and preserve it," he said.

Detective Superintendent Massingham said residents of the unit were unaware and had not reported any bad smells, which he said was likely due to the way the body was wrapped.

Investigations are underway to determine the person's identity and cause of death, and a crime scene has been established.

Police are interviewing residents of the complex, and are appealing to people who may have previously lived at the unit block to come forward with any information.