Sydney wife murder 'absolutely shocking'

A 73-year-old man has been charged with the stabbing murder of his wife in their western Sydney home, leaving neighbours shocked.

The man was taken into custody after going to Merrylands Police Station late on Monday night to speak with officers.

Detectives later found the body of a 63-year-old woman with a stab wound to her chest at a home on Leigh Street in Merrylands.

Her husband was charged with murder and refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Tuesday.

A neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said the older couple always kept to themselves and she never heard a raised voice from them.

"It's absolutely shocking," she told AAP on Tuesday.

"It's always been a quiet street."

Forensic officers were seen examining the home on Tuesday while detectives canvassed the area and interviewed residents.