Overall capitalization rate is one of the key evaluation elements in operating income approach. Deriving capitalization rates from comparable sales is the preferred method when sufficient data on sales of similar, competitive properties are available. The capitali­zation rates provide evidence of the importance of local market conditions and individual property characteristics. This paper is an empirical study of the capitalization rates for 66 commercial premises sales in down town Vilnius from 2008 III q – 2009 I q. Seeking to derive factors affecting the capitalization rate, regressive-correlative analysis of capitalization rate of various commercial premises located on various streets of downtown Vilnius was carried out. Capitalization rate depends on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of real estate, i. e. purpose, total area of premises, storey they are on and quality of decoration. At the end of study results were summarized.