A man has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing an elderly man to death at a house near Ballarat.

Emergency services were called to a Langstaffe Drive property in Wendouree around 1.30am on Wednesday and found the 72-year-old man dead at the scene.

A 37-year-old Wendouree man was arrested at the property and has been charged with one count of murder.

He was allegedly known to the victim, who was also a Wendouree resident.

Locals took to social media to express their shock and sadness over the death.

"This is very sad. Sending my condolences to the deceased family. Thinking of you at this sad time," one posted.